2012 -- Our next steps as an organizational development firm
"There are 10 spikes to a rail, 400 rails to a mile, 1,800 miles to San Francisco--21,000,000 times those sledges to be swung: 21,000,000 times are they to come down with their sharp punctuation before the great work of modern America is complete."
--Dr. William A. Bell, in an 1866 newspaper article about the transcontinental railroad.
In 2001, Lorie and I initiated what is now Design Group International, an organizational development firm specializing in process consulting as a way to help organizations and their leaders discover clarity and implement solutions--and a home for lifelong learners in their respective disciplines within organizational development so that they might heighten the art, science and success of organizational consulting.
We state this mission over and over, and live it again and again, each time as if we are driving spikes into the rails of a transcontinental railroad. We passionately believe in and act for it because organizations that improve the conditions of the world and transform lives need to keep renewing themselves. Even more, the people who know how to lead this renewal again and again in ways unique to each organization need a place to be found, and a platform from which to practice their craft.
In 2001, there were few organizational development firms operating in this manner. Now there are several, some of which we advised as they formed. In 2001, we had to spend a lot of time explaining this mission, but now we have many repeat clients and keep meeting organizational leaders who have a preference for firms committed to consulting process over a consultant's product. In 2001, we were two people in Indiana with a couple of clients each. Now we are a community of experts, handling as many as twenty projects at a time. Even in the middle of this Great Recession, we experienced increased demand for the services we provide.
Our approach to growth has been deliberate, expanding to satisfy existing demand rather than expanding and then having to sell ourselves. In recent planning meetings our Senior Design Partners (our owners) re-affirmed this commitment, wanting to make sure there is no decline in the quality of our service with clients. To strengthen our capacity we are pleased to announce the following appointments:
Arlen G. Vernava is named Director of Interim Services. Senior Consultant Arlen Vernava has been appointed Director of Interim Services by the Senior Design Partners of Design Group
International. Since the beginning of the company, Design Group International has provided executive interim services for businesses, non-profits, ministry organizations and congregations. The Interim Services line was established as a more robust and intentional expression of connecting organizations in need of interim and turnaround assistance with qualified experts. Arlen's experience as an executive, as an interim specialist, and as an educator uniquely qualifies him for the role.
David S. Bell is named Director of Stewardship Services. Senior Design
Partner, David Bell has been appointed Director of Stewardship Services by the Senior Design Partners of Design Group International. Stewardship education, capital campaigns, and assistance with fiscal management have long been a centerpiece of Design Group International consulting services. David's prominence as a stewardship educator and a Foundation President places him in the center of a deep network of experts, qualified to assist the most complex organizational needs.
Philip C. Bergey is named Director of Coaching Services. Senior Design Partner, Phil Bergey has been appointed Director of Coaching Services by the Senior Design Partners of
Design Group International. Requests for coaching services from Design Group International are growing rapidly, often as a means to help a newly appointed organizational leader grow into their role. Phil's experience as an executive, a long-time coaching practitioner, and an academic in the field of coaching gives him the breadth and depth to enhance this line of business
In addition to putting the right people at the helm of these arenas, these appointments give me greater freedom to function as the CEO, to continue my own consulting practice, and to strengthen our visibility and reputation as an organizational development firm.
We look forward to what 2012 will bring, believing our clients have more spikes to drive on the railroad to making the world a better and more meaningful place.
-mark l vincent
p.s. If you are a fan of the Whorled Viewz cartoons from emell vee, you have my promise that there are many more to come.
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All blogs reflect the thoughts of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Design Group International, Inc.